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The historic city of Mandalay is the gateway to Mogok. Mandalay has a certain charm missed by some but admired by those who take the time to visit some of the historic parts of the city.

The 125 mile journey to Mogok will take you through agricultural countryside, teak forests, hill tribe villages, over rusty bridges and twisting mountain roads.

From Mandalay we head north to Mogok. Many parts of the road remain unchanged from the British colonial days including many single track iron bridges (right).

Seventy five miles north of Mandalay we arrive at the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction. It is at this point where special permission is required for foreigners to continue their journey to Mogok. There is another fifty miles of single track road which winds up through the mountains before we reach Mogok.

Ox carts are still used by many people to get around. Not the quickest way to go but good for the environment!

The immigration check point at the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction. To travel beyond this point you will need to have your permit rubber stamped here.

A sign at the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction.

Banyan trees grow on the side of the road.

After passing the checkpoint the road climbs up into the mountains and the temperature cools. The views into the valleys are spectacular.

A trader riding his motorbike loaded with goods on his way to Mogok.

On one of the bends in the road a lady has set up her shop selling a variety of citrus fruits.

A Lisu villager in a mountain village.

Another Lisu villager with her son.

Once up in the mountains we pass through bamboo forests and Lisu villages. There is a thick smell of fermenting bamboos shoots throughout the village. The villagers use the bamboo to produce just about everything you could possibly imagine.

A Lisu villager shredding strips of bamboo.

Bamboo strips being dried in the sun.

Halfway between the Hpawdaw - Thabeikkyin junction we reach the village of Shewnyaungbin. This is a traditional resting spot for travellers coming and going between Mogok & Mandalay.

My driver and guide enjoying cakes and tea at the café in the centre of the village.